Chapter 42
Robin and Jasmine’s wedding and christening plans were pretty much complete.
They’d arranged the date, church, venue, caterers, music and flowers.
Robin and Jack had their morning suits, and the twins were set to look adorable in their christening gowns.
The only sticking point, not that Jasmine had openly admitted, was her wedding dress.
It wasn’t as if she’d been looking and unable to find the right one, because she hadn’t been looking at all.
The thought of walking down the aisle again in a big, white frock really didn’t appeal to her.
It just felt… wrong somehow. Jasmine was adamant that marrying Robin would be a total contrast to her first wedding with Tom.
Of course the fact the day was a joint event with the christening would make it different, but Jasmine didn’t want any similarities at all – and a white wedding dress was indeed a similarity.
But what to wear instead? That was the question she’d been asking herself daily and still hadn’t come up with an answer.
Not being able to discuss this with Robin, for fear he might take offence, she ran it past Bunty again. After explaining her quandary, Bunty nodded, understanding her friend’s dilemma.
‘Maybe just pick a totally different style of dress then?’ she’d suggested.
‘It would still be white though, wouldn’t it?’ replied Jasmine.
‘Not necessarily. You can wear whatever colour you want,’ reasoned Bunty.
‘You mean have one made especially for me?’ asked Jasmine, rather liking the idea of not having to choose a traditional gown from a bridal shop, or go online and try to pick one from the hundreds displayed on various websites.
To her, they all looked the same and nothing particularly stood out.
Jasmine was beginning to wonder how she’d managed to ever decide on one years ago, but then she’d been in a very different state of mind – a young, excited bride-to-be.
Now she had experienced the trauma of losing her first husband and was a mother of two.
Nevertheless, it was Robin’s wedding too, and he was more than excited for the pair of them.
Not that Jasmine wasn’t excited, just more reflective.
She was glad they were making vows together and having Barny and Jemima christened. To her it made their family complete.
‘Yes,’ answered Bunty, ‘you could describe exactly what you want and get a dress tailor-made.’
‘But that’s just it, Bunty, I don’t know what I want. Only what I don’t want,’ sighed Jasmine.
Bunty gave her a sceptical look. ‘You must have some idea,’ she said despairingly.
‘Well…’ began Jasmine. Bunty leaned forward keenly.
‘Yes?’
‘I had thought maybe a suit of some kind, with a jacket?’
‘A suit? We’ve been through this before, Jasmine,’ cried Bunty, rolling her eyes. She’d already given her opinion on that, stating her friend didn’t want to look like some kind of executive.
‘I know, but listen, hear me out,’ replied Jasmine, then reached for a nearby magazine.
She leafed through the pages until finding a photograph of a model wearing a military drummer-style jacket.
It was red velvet with gold braiding across the front, had brass buttons and elaborate embroidery on the sleeve cuffs.
Bunty’s eyes narrowed, taking it in. She paused before answering, wanting to choose her words carefully.
‘I love the military style…’
‘But?’ prompted Jasmine, sensing there was definitely one coming.
‘The material. Red velvet? Really?’
‘Hmm, I know what you mean,’ agreed Jasmine. Then added, ‘What about pale pink silk?’
Bunty’s face lit up.
‘Yes! That would go beautifully with the gold braiding and embroidery!’ she cooed.
Jasmine gave a huge beam, which soon dropped at seeing Bunty’s raised hand.
‘But not the jeans,’ she insisted, pointing to the model’s boot-legged denims, making Jasmine throw her head back in laughter.
‘I wasn’t thinking of wearing jeans!’ she exclaimed.
‘Wouldn’t put it past you,’ replied Bunty deadpan.
‘Don’t be daft,’ retorted Jasmine.
‘Well, what would you wear the jacket with then?’
‘A skirt. A matching long, silk skirt. I’ll even wear gold ballet shoes. How does that sound?’ She looked her friend in the eye and was rewarded with a nod of approval.
Bunty smiled. ‘Perfect. That sounds absolutely perfect.’
So, now that Jasmine had finally decided on what to wear, the race was on to get it made. Bunty had asked Emma for any recommendations. Luckily, she knew of a highly skilled seamstress in Lancaster. And, Bunty being Bunty, had leaped on the opportunity.
‘We’ll all go into Lancaster together!’ she’d cheered, eager for a girly day out. This time Jasmine was more than happy to go along with her friend’s suggestion. She was also pleased that Emma would be coming too.
Robin was just plain relieved that Jasmine seemed to be more relaxed. She no longer appeared angst about the whole thing.
‘Looking forward to today?’ he asked when the dressmaker’s appointment came. He was to drive everyone into Lancaster and pick them up later.
Jasmine grinned. ‘Yeah! Now I know what I’m wearing, I can’t wait.’
‘Good.’ He lowered his head and kissed her lips. ‘Have a great time and don’t worry about us,’ he teased, thumbing behind him to where the twins lay fast asleep in a Moses basket. Jasmine peeked into it and her heart melted at seeing Barny and Jemima holding hands side by side.
‘Aw, look, Robin,’ she whispered.
‘I know.’ He gave a soft chuckle, adoring the sight before him.
Jasmine, Bunty and Emma arrived at the dressmaker’s late morning.
After Jasmine showed the photograph of the model from the magazine and explained the material she wanted, her measurements were taken and further appointments were set.
This left the rest of the afternoon for lunch and drinks. Plenty of drinks in fact.
‘Bubbles!’ announced Bunty on entering the nearest pub. ‘This calls for bubbles!’
‘Hear, hear,’ agreed Emma, striding to the bar with purpose.
Jasmine loved their gusto and joie de vivre.
It was infectious. It also solved another quandary: a hen do.
She hadn’t arranged one, for the simple reason she didn’t want one, not when having to tend to twins around the clock.
Instead she’d relish every moment today, fully intending to make the most of it.
‘Oh yes, definitely. Crack open a bottle!’ she chimed.
‘That’s my girl,’ said Bunty with a nudge.
Emma returned with champagne in an ice bucket and glasses, while Jasmine and Bunty were perusing the menu. After pouring them each a glass, she raised hers.
‘To you, Jasmine, and your wonderful wedding outfit!’
They all clinked glasses and took a gulp of fizz.
‘Hmm, that tastes divine,’ groaned Bunty, who was more than ready for a drink. It was tiring work listening to every minute detail and description of a rose silk military jacket and matching full skirt. Still, if it made her friend happy, then it was worth the wait.
‘What time’s Robin coming?’ asked Emma, hoping for a session. It had been a long time since she’d got bladdered in Lancaster. And she never thought she’d ever think that.
‘When we’re ready,’ Jasmine laughed, in no hurry to rush home either.
‘That’s my girl!’ repeated Bunty in delight.